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Sildenafil, which is commonly sold under the brand name Viagra, is an oral medication used to treat erectile dysfunction by producing an erection within 12 to 30 minutes after consumption, with a duration of up to at least 4 hours (1).
The shelf life of Viagra is usually two years after the manufacturing date with proper storage. It is recommended to use the entire package before it reaches the expiration date.
Taking in expired drugs may be unsafe. With Viagra, while it doesn’t cause any major harm to the body after expiration, the medicine may be less effective.
How Viagra Works
This drug is used to aid erectile dysfunction by increasing the penile response to sexual stimulation (2). While it improves erectile and orgasmic function and overall satisfaction during intercourse, it doesn’t directly affect sexual (3).
The duration of the drug lasts typically for about 2 to 6 hours after consumption, depending on the patient’s metabolism. It can last even after ejaculation, although this doesn’t necessarily mean that the patient will be experiencing an erection throughout the whole time.
It doesn’t remain in the body either. About 13 percent of the dosage is released in urine, while 80 percent comes out with feces.
While it can be purchased without a prescription, it’s important to note that certain health problems can occur in line with taking the drug such as headaches, indigestion, rashes, and others (4).
Extending the Shelf Life of Viagra
Improper storage is one of the main factors drugs expire or lose effectiveness earlier than their supposed date. The general rule to make the medication last longer is by protecting it from light, heat, dust, and humidity. Keeping the drug out of children’s reach is a necessary safety precaution as well (5).
Although Sildenafil doesn’t require specific conditions in terms of storage, following the general guidelines for correctly storing drugs will allow it to remain effective and safe to consume.
As much as possible, consuming the drug after its expiration date should be followed since it can result in irritations, pain, and other severe side effects.
When to Take Viagra
Viagra should only be consumed when there is a need to or as much as a doctor prescribes. Usually, it is taken 30 minutes to an hour (maximum of 4 hours) before sexual intercourse.
It is recommended to intake the drug 2 hours after a meal because the blood absorbs the active substance in the drug through the stomach. However, not on an empty stomach.
Consuming the drug more than once per day can cause complications unless a doctor advises you to take it more than once.
The drug shouldn’t be consumed by someone with cardiac failure or had recently experienced a stroke or heart attack; neither should it be taken with other medications containing nitrates (6).
Sildenafil is also ineffective in patients with endocrinal impotence, loss of libido, premature ejaculation, or infertility (7).
